Wisconsin recycling studies and reports

Since Wisconsin's recycling law took effect in the mid-1990s, the DNR has used annual reports and surveys to monitor the progress and success of Wisconsin's recycling efforts. These reports and surveys come from local government "responsible unit" recycling programs, material recovery facilities and landfill operators as well as from residential households.

Annual recycling and landfill reports

Responsible units must submit annual reports to the DNR. These reports must include the amount of recyclable paper and containers collected from one to four family residences. Some Responsible Units may also report on additional recyclables (e.g., carpeting, used oil, etc.). Materials recovery facilities that accept recyclables from responsible units must also submit annual reports to the DNR.

The aggregate data in the following tables, charts and graphs reflect annual report information from the last several years. The materials recovery facility data contains both residential and commercial sources of recyclables. A breakdown of these data is available upon request.

Other data: economic and environmental

Recycling in Wisconsin has both economic as well as environmental benefits. The market values of the materials diverted from landfills in 2013 annual reports are shown in the Market Value Table below. The other link shows the amount of greenhouse gases reduced by recycling materials rather than landfilling in 2014.

Annual reports from landfill operators

Landfill operators must submit an annual report to the DNR that includes categories of waste received from Wisconsin and out-of state sources. In the tables below, municipal solid waste is the waste generated by residences and commercial establishments. All other waste is considered non-municipal solid waste and is generated primarily by industries.

Other studies and reports

Household recycling survey results

The DNR conducts periodic household surveys to assess awareness of and participation in Wisconsin's recycling program. Results for the most recent survey of 638 households across the state, conducted in 2016, confirmed continued strong support for both the state recycling laws and programs. More than 93 percent of households surveyed are committed to recycling at home, and 80 percent do not report barriers to recycling.

Paint management survey results

In 2015, the DNR conducted an online survey of household hazardous waste collection programs to learn more about how they manage latex and oil-based paint. The survey was sent to programs that receive Clean Sweep grants from the Department of Agriculture, Trade and Consumer Protection.

Report on newspaper recycling fee law

In 2014, the DNR commissioned a study of Wisconsin’s newspaper recycling fee law, s. 287.31, Wis. Stats. The 1989 law established minimum recycled content for Wisconsin newspaper publishers and imposed a fee for publishers not meeting the minimum content. The study was intended to evaluate the continued relevance of the law in light of newspaper and recycling industry trends in the 25 years since the law was passed. In April 2015, 2015 Act 7 took effect and repealed the newspaper recycling fee and associated requirements in s. 287.31, Wis. Stats.

Wisconsin plastics recycling study results

The DNR commissioned a study, authored jointly by Foth Infrastructure and Environment and by Moore Recycling Associates, to identify actions that can be taken to capture and recycle more of the valuable used plastics that currently end up in landfills. Recovering more of these materials has the potential to create jobs and boost economic development in Wisconsin. Despite a comprehensive statewide recycling program and a strong recycling ethic, hundreds of tons of plastics are still sent to Wisconsin landfills every day; Foth estimates the market value of these landfilled plastics at around $64 million in 2009.

The study lists several actions Wisconsin could take to substantially increase plastics recovery rates. These actions could be implemented individually or as a coordinated approach with priority given to recovery of the most valuable and commonly used plastic containers, such as consumer beverage bottles and containers for household cleaning products.

The American Chemistry Council commissioned a subsequent, focused study by Moore Recycling Associates, Inc., on recycling of rigid plastic materials in Wisconsin in an attempt to identify the composition and recycling potential of rigid plastic products and packaging being used in Wisconsin.

Waste composition and characterization studies

The DNR periodically contracts for studies to assess the status of recycling in Wisconsin.

Most recently, the DNR contracted for a statewide waste composition study in 2009. This study was performed by MidAtlantic Solid Waste Consultants, LLC, under contract to Recycling Connections Corporation based out of Stevens Point. The results of this study, combined with 2009 recycled tonnage reports from responsible units and materials recovery facilities, suggest Wisconsin residents and businesses maintain a strong commitment to recycling, with progress in reducing the landfilled tonnages of some materials. The study shows opportunities still exist to improve recycling rates for other materials.